Abstract
The purpose of this article is to reflect on the online learning offered by Dubai private schools in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. This article considers both positive and negative features of provision, in order to suggest recommendations for future outbreaks. A comprehensive review of literature synthesizes with the results of an online survey. The period of March until July 2020 is referred to as Phase 1 of online learning. Phase 2 covers September and December 2020. The findings show that educators were generally positive toward online learning but have mixed opinions regarding the permanence, opportunities, and approaches of individual schools. Teachers discussed the progression of online learning within their settings and made multiple recommendations for the future including focusing on social–emotional development and well-being, limiting screen time where possible, ensuring Ed-Tech is appropriate for individual needs, and committing to an ongoing evaluation of curriculum adaptation. It was also suggested that schools review their approach to building technological skills, as well as the age in which this area of development is encouraged.
Highlights
In a global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many variations of online learning have been implemented by schools around the world
The purpose of this article is to reflect on the online learning offered by Dubai private schools in response to the Covid-19 pandemic
The findings show that educators were generally positive toward online learning but have mixed opinions regarding the permanence, opportunities, and approaches of individual schools
Summary
In a global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many variations of online learning have been implemented by schools around the world. Throughout this article, the term online learning will be used to describe this alternative provision. In the UAE, parents had concerns during the reopening of schools in September 2020 (Sircar, 2020). Families were given the opportunity to choose either face-to-face school attendance or distance learning for their children (Ministry of Education, 2020b). Schools in Dubai implemented statutory reopening protocols (KHDA, 2020c). This led to settings adopting their own educational models for the current academic year, with the aim of offering lessons to students both in-class and at home
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